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Collin W. has been a gigging musician since he was 13 and is now attending Lansing Community College for music therapy. He has played with live bands, done numerous studio recordings, and has won two state championships the Dewitt High School Marching Band. Collin is a big fan of the Grateful Dead, Goose, and 70s funk and wants to share the positivity that music creates. In his free time he loves to spend time with his cat, play video games with friends, and explore the world around him.

Emmet W. began playing the saxophone at age 10 and holds a Bachelor of Music from Central Michigan University and a Master of Music from Michigan State University. Throughout his career, Emmet has performed in a wide variety of musical styles, from classical saxophone quartets, jazz combos to Gypsy jazz and Klezmer bands. Through these experiences, Emmet has developed a lifelong passion for making music and sharing that passion with others. He believes that learning music should be both rewarding and fun, and enjoys helping his students discover the joy of playing an instrument. Outside of music, Emmet enjoys running, composing music, and playing video games. He teaches saxophone, clarinet, flute, and piano.

Marissa E. teaches piano and has been playing since 1st grade. She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Music with highest honors as well as a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. Music has always been an integral part of her life, whether it be through dance, theater, or one of the numerous instruments she has experimented with over the years. She enjoys working with students of all ages and learning styles and is passionate about sharing her love of music. She appreciates and enjoys teaching all musical genres. Outside of music, Marissa enjoys going for walks, seeing cute animals (especially dogs!), spending time with family, and watching NASCAR races and Tigers baseball games!

Matthew L.'s musical background began in middle school band, leading to a specialization in keyboard percussion with the Fruitport Marching Band. At Grand Valley State University, he performed with the marching band, Wind Ensemble, Steel Drum band, percussion ensembles, and New Music Ensemble, graduating with a music education degree in 2023. Now in his fourth year of teaching, he plays percussion, piano, saxophone, and guitar, with musical influences ranging from Mahler and Primus to The Beatles. Outside the classroom, Matthew enjoys video games, reading Stephen King, and spending time with his two cats.

Nessia B. is a pianist and music educator from Lansing, Michigan, currently
completing her Bachelor of Arts in Music at Michigan State University, where she studies
classical piano under Dr. Young Hyun Cho. She has performed internationally, including
at the Centro Studi Carlo Della Giacoma in Todi, Italy, and the Orford Music Academy in
Quebec, Canada. Her dedication to music has earned her honors such as the Marie S.
Black Endowed Scholarship in Music. Outside of music, Nessia enjoys baking, running,
and participating in marathons.

Adam M. has taught at Okemos Music Academy since 2016 and teaches Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, and Bass. In addition, he is an in-demand bassist and multi-instrumentalist throughout the Midwest. In 2008 he attended Bowling Green State University under talent and academic scholarships, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies and Music Performance in 2012. Adam’s three favorite artists are Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, and Miles Davis, and his current guilty pleasures are Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, and Frank Sinatra.

Chip H. is a pianist and teacher. They were classically trained and have been playing since 2009. Since then, they have accompanied multiple choirs, bands, and musicians performing various styles of music. Their teaching methods focus on learning the basics of technique and reading music. From there, it’s up to the student. Whether their preference is classical, pop, or movie soundtracks, the pace will follow the student. In their free time, Chip enjoys longboarding, crocheting, and taking care of cats.

Kyle P. is a classically trained pianist and composer attending Michigan State University’s School of Music, where he is working to achieve his bachelor’s degree in Music Composition. He has been playing piano since he was 7 years old, reading music and making his own songs. He is eager to share his passion with anyone interested in music. Kyle enjoys writing and performing his piano compositions in his spare time.

Matt P. is a multi-instrumentalist who has played with multiple groups and ensembles as a freelance musician for ten years. He teaches Piano, Guitar, and Ukulele at Okemos Music Academy. He has experience with various genres, and is currently in college, finishing a few degrees and working with a few bands on original music.

Fred I.’s professional career began when he was just sixteen, and he teaches Piano and Drums at Okemos Music Academy. He spent more than two decades producing music for musical theater, church choirs, cocktail bars, jazz ensembles, salsa bands, and ballet companies, both as a pianist/drummer and director. These experiences included stints working for Rock legend Ben E. King and the Joffrey Ballet of New York. He is currently a college professor by day and has established his own music label.

Melissa C. is a Lansing, Michigan-born native with over 20 years of experience as a professional recording artist, songwriter, musician, and producer. She has received her double associate's degree in music (GA) and music education and will soon continue her studies in music education. She has a background in classical vocal performance and more popular genres and has taught voice lessons for the past seven years. Outside of music, she enjoys time with her family, traveling, and shopping. 

Peter K. has been playing violin since 2001 and has a bachelor's degree from Oakland University and a master’s degree from Michigan State University. He teaches Piano, Violin, and Viola at Okemos Music Academy. Peter has performed with many orchestras around Michigan, including the Saginaw, Midland, Oakland, Warren, and Alma Symphonies. He has led large classes in middle and elementary schools for fifteen years. In addition, he teaches throughout Michigan as a private instructor. Peter also frequently performs with a bluegrass band based out of Flint.

Ann B. is a Detroit-born musician, piano teacher, artist, and writer. She began her professional performance career as a young child and continues to perform all over Michigan. Deeply passionate about every child in music lessons, Ms. Bell is an award-winning piano teacher who has taught many voices to sing and play throughout her 25-year career. She loves her students and audiences "more than space!" 

Grace G. is a lyric soprano who recently earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Michigan State University. She has performed in both opera and musical theatre, bringing a wide range of artistic experience to her teaching. Grace’s recent roles include Petra in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, Woman Two in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and Musetta in Puccini’s La Boheme with SERIO Opera.
Grace’s favorite past roles include Donna in Mamma Mia! and Fantine in Les Misérables with BAM Theatre. She has been teaching voice and piano for several years and is passionate about helping young singers build confidence, develop healthy vocal technique, and discover the joys of making music. Grace strives to create a fun, encouraging environment where every student can grow as both a musician and a performer.

Cat H. has been a professional musician for forty years and teaches Piano, Voice, Guitar, and Ukulele at Okemos Music Academy. Cat has performed a variety of types of music. In addition, she has been a teacher for twenty-two years and has taught privately in Lansing and Ann Arbor.  She holds several degrees in Music Education, Secondary English, Montessori education, and Curriculum and Instruction. Cat grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and lives in Lansing, Michigan.

Christian C. began learning the piano at the age of seven and teaches Piano and Trombone at Okemos Music Academy. He earned his Bachelors degree in Music Education to become a fully certified K-12 music teacher in the State of Michigan. He continues to hone his piano skills at Michigan State University, where he is almost finished with a Masters in Collaborative Piano. Outside of the music world, Christian became an Eagle Scout in high school, enjoys reading, studying psychology and philosophy, and has worked summers at Interlochen Arts Camp on the Administrative Staff since 2018. 

Shelby S. has over 15 years of experience in musical performance. She started taking private music lessons at the age of 7 and went on to pursue music production in college. She earned her degree in Arts and Humanities from Michigan State University, with a focus on music. When she isn't performing or writing, she can be found drawing, playing board/video games, and caring for her houseplants. 

Shelly G. teaches Piano and Voice at Okemos Music Academy. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance with a minor in piano. She has been teaching voice and piano for many years, and it is a true passion of hers. Shelly teaches all ages, from children to adults, helping each student reach their potential and goals.

Geoff L. has over twenty years of experience with Piano and Drum performance and education. He studied under Dallas symphony percussionist Jeff Prosperie and the University of Akron’s Director of Bands, Galen Karriker. His career has led him to many ensembles, including The MSU Marching Band, Chicago Bears Drumline, and more. Although drums are his primary instrument, Geoff is an accomplished singer and pianist.